05 May Agroprocessing Q&A
Welcome to Agroprocessing
We’ve recently announced that Thebe Investment Corporation acquired the majority shares in
BothaRoodt, a fresh produce market agent, but what do we really know about this new avenue?
Thus, to shed more light on Thebe Services, we sat down with Mr Mokgethi Tshabalala to find out
more about Thebe’s newest venture.
Inside Agroprocessing
1. What prompted Thebe to venture into the agriculture and fresh produce market?
Thebe has already invested in the food sector through Compass Group SA. But, they wanted
to expand their involvement in this sector by introducing emerging farmers into the value
chain through training and supplier development programmes. The fresh produce sector
was the first of the four sectors (meat, grain, dairy, fresh) where they identified an
opportunity.
Established in 1963, BothaRoodt Fresh Produce Market Agent has extensive experience and
knowledge in the fresh produce market, which has been the basis of growth for the
company becoming one of the biggest market agencies in South Africa. BothaRoodt sells
fresh produce at the Johannesburg Market on behalf of farmers.
It was cofounded by Dan Botha and Gallie Roodt, whose son Chris Roodt is a current director
of BothaRoodt, along with Paul Botha & Pieter Du Toit. In 1994, BothaRoodt acquired Marco
Fresh Produce Agent and later launched Green Network Fresh Produce Agent as part of the
BothaRoodt Group Companies.
3. Why did Thebe decide to acquire a stake in BothaRoodt?
BothaRoodt is one of the largest fresh produce agents in South Africa, operating out of the
Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market. This platform is important to help fresh produce
farmers, especially emerging farmers, access important markets in Southern Africa.
4. What has it been like to merge these two companies?
BothaRoodt’s experience in the fresh produce market combined with Thebe’s experience in
the food sector, through Compass Group SA, will lead to a significant contribution in the
food sector in South Africa! Both teams are hard at work to integrate the two companies
into one unit – the progress has been encouraging.
5. What is the vision for BothaRoodt and Agroprocessing?
Our vision is driven by the future of the fresh produce industry, in particular, and South
African agriculture. This partnership will be used to demonstrate sustainable models of
agricultural transformation while realising the value for all involved.
6. How will this project lead food security, especially in light of the South African weather?
Food security depends on the astute and targeted use of natural agricultural resources, in a
sustainable manner, to ensure consistent and increasing production to meet the increasing
demand for food, as populations grow. The experience BothaRoodt has in advising farmers
on what, where, and how much to plant for success on the fresh produce market, will
contribute significantly to the development of new, informed producers who can meet
increasing food demand in an environment challenged by climate change.
7. How is this acquisition special?
The deal is the first of its kind. It created the very first large majority black owned fresh
produce agent in South Africa.
8. How will Agroprocessing assist emerging farmers?
The biggest challenge emerging farmers have, is market intelligence, knowing what, when
and how to plant in response to the market. This information is not readily available to
emerging farmers and as a result, they are unable to compete with large-scale farmers. This
information will be made available to assist emerging farmers accordingly.
9. What message do you have for your employees?
Here’s to the next best thing!
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